The latest on California politics and government

April 13, 2013

The second day of the California Democratic Party's spring convention was barely underway when state Sen. Curren Price got his hands dirty in the name of politics.

"Oooh squishy," the Los Angeles Democrat quipped as green paint was rolled over his palm.

Price was one of at least half a dozen Democratic officials who made handprint signs today to show their support for efforts to provide increased access to affordable child care and universal preschool Saturday morning. The art booth was sponsored by a coalition that includes Service Employees International Union, which is reviving a push to allow child care providers to unionize.

Previous attempts to unionize child care workers in California have fallen short, including a 2011 bill vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown. Sen. Kevin de León, who authored similar legislation that was vetoed by former GOP Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, said he thinks this year's effort could have a chance to make it through.

"I think it's a strong possibility," he said. "If we can invest in our children then we can reap the benefits later on and create a quality workforce in California."

And as for the paint?

"It's fun to get messy," de León joked as he made a purple handprint.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sen. Curren Price gets his hand painted at The California Democratic Party convention in support of child care workers. The Sacramento Bee/Torey Van Oot